My Muay Thai journey started in 2006 in a small gym in Gorizia, Italy, called Satori Gladiatorum Nemesis (SGN). It was a modest space tucked away in a basement, but it held a treasure: Giorgio Petrosyan, who would later become one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, was training there.
I still remember descending the narrow stairs leading to the gym. I was nervous yet intrigued, not entirely sure what to expect. As I approached, I could hear the sharp sound of kicks landing on pads, accompanied by Giorgio’s powerful shouts. The air was thick with the smell of Thai oil mixed with sweat—a scent I had never encountered before but one that would become a constant companion in my life.
At the time, I knew almost nothing about Muay Thai. I had no idea it would become the defining force in my life. Thailand was just a far-off place I’d barely heard about, and “Muay Thai” was simply a strange name. Little did I know, those steps down into that basement gym would shape every decision I’d make from that day forward.
From Sports Enthusiast to Fighter
Before discovering Muay Thai, I had always been active. I spent my childhood and teenage years as a gymnast, competing at a good level. However, as I grew older, I felt lost in the fitness world, trying out aerobics and cardio combat classes without finding true satisfaction.
It was my then-partner, Beppe, who introduced me to Muay Thai. He had started boxing, but when the local boxing gym temporarily closed, he found himself training at SGN. There, he noticed a young Armenian fighter—Giorgio—practicing kicks with his brother, and he told me, “These guys know how to kick.”
Out of curiosity, I went to watch Giorgio fight in a local event against Shemsi Beqiri. Giorgio won by breaking his opponent’s arm with powerful kicks. I was in awe. I thought, This is what I want to learn: how to kick like that.
The Gym That Changed My Life
When I finally stepped into SGN, I immediately knew it was different from any gym I had ever seen. There were no fancy machines, no mirrors, and no distractions. It was raw, intense, and entirely focused on hard work.
This wasn’t a place for ego or pretense. It was a space where everyone was equal, where effort and discipline mattered more than anything else. It was tough, grueling, and honest—qualities that mirrored what Muay Thai would soon teach me about life.
Even though I knew nothing about combat sports, I felt a deep connection to the place and the sport. Something about the atmosphere, the smell, and the energy spoke to me. From that moment on, I was hooked. I devoted myself entirely to this new passion, even before I fully understood what it would mean.
Muay Thai as a Tool for Self-Improvement
Muay Thai has taught me that growth comes through hard work, perseverance, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve competed in more than 80 professional fights, traveled the world, and built a lifestyle centered around this ancient martial art.
But Muay Thai is more than just a sport or career. It’s a philosophy. It’s about facing challenges with courage, learning from failures, and constantly striving to improve. It has become my personal tool for jikokaizen—continuous self-improvement—and the foundation for everything I aim to achieve in life.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m grateful for that first hesitant step down the stairs of SGN. What started as a desire to “learn how to kick” transformed into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
If you’re seeking a way to challenge yourself, to grow, and to connect with a discipline that goes far beyond physical fitness, Muay Thai might be the answer. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a way to unlock your potential and embark on a journey of self-improvement.